Was the Superbowl fly over a waste of funds?

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 14:52:44 -0500

I've been seeing a lot of posts on Facebook from service members upset that the Army had an elaborate fly over on Superbowl Sunday, saying that it was a waste of funds. In a time where perhaps more than ever the Army and military as a whole are pinching pennies and downsizing, do you think a flyover was appropriate?

In my opinion, civilians love seeing our (the military's) high speed equipment and vehicles. As possibly the most watched sporting event of the year, although expensive, a don't think a flyover hurt the Army's budget substantially. I agree that retirement benefits should be the militaries first priority, but for the occasion I don't think a flyover was out of line. Thoughts?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 2:59 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 14:59:45 -0500

I don't see an issue with the flyover except that it was a bit difficult to see with it being night time. My old Troop commander who is now the BN commander for 1/101 AVN was in the lead aircraft for the flyover, and I was very proud to see them out there. Flyovers are a long standing tradition, and Im glad to see them again.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Feb 3 at 2014 3:07 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:07:58 -0500

Honestly I just kind of assumed that the NFL paid the bill for the flyover...

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 3:08 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:08:01 -0500

What some of the people commenting on Facebook may not understand, is that just like any business that paid for air time for commercials during the game, the Army was doing the same thing. Flyovers or other displays at public events such as the Super Bowl are good recruiting opportunities. As you say, the ability to get a view of military personnel and equipment that you simply can't see at your local recruiters office will give a broader perspective to those thinking of joining. Additionally, especially with the current budget situation and a long drawn out conflict, it is important for the populace to see us, and remember that we are still there protecting their freedoms.<br>

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 3:14 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:14:08 -0500

Another thing that the Facebook bashers may not have considered is the fact that all of those air crews have training requirements that they have to meet in terms of flight hours, night flying, etc. If the Army can meet training requirements AND get world wide exposure, why not?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 3:15 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:15:53 -0500

I know down here, where someone requests support they are told they have to foot the bill. Now, with the flyover, it could have been scheduled into their training calendar and those flight hours were not only for the pilots but for Army Awesomeness purposes.

this is just my theory and is in no way respresentative what the actual 5 Ws that went into this.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 3:18 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:18:07 -0500

They have to fly somewhere. They need hours.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 3:24 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 15:24:07 -0500

It is said that they spent $100,000 to do the flyover. Seems to be one of the cheapest Superbowl commercials if you ask me. If it was $100,000 then I say it was money well spent. The reaction from the attendees was amazing. Just look at all of the cell videos of people in the upper decks. If that flyover made kids, young adults or adults think of the Army then I say mission accomplished.<div><br></div><div>On top of that it is great training for our aviators and one hell of a way to reward them for a job well done. I am in the Aviation Brigade that flew over and there were TONS of pilots and crews hoping to get to participate. I grow tired of the typical Soldiers on the field unfurling the flag or standing on the sideline in uniform - this was one hell of a way to kick it up a notch.</div><div><br></div><div>Plus most people don't understand that the cost to fly up there and partake rested mostly on the units performing the event. Uncle Sam or the Pentagon didn't write a blank check to us. Majority of the money came from our Brigade.</div>

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 3 at 2014 5:27 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 03 Feb 2014 17:27:03 -0500

Im glad to see pretty much everyone saw the logic in the flyover. Its like a live advertisement for the army, and for the spectators something very cool to see. Also I didn't even think about the flight hours thing. Good points.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 4 at 2014 6:11 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 06:11:43 -0500

Not necessarily a waste of time but using aircraft designed not to be seen at night to do a flyover at night???? Logically it didn't click.